Sections

History

An Orange Association was formed in England in 1688 to assist the Prince of Orange in defence of the Protestant Religion and the Liberties of England. The Orange Order, as we know it, was formed by the victorious Protestants after the Battle of the Diamond in 1795.
Its aims were to defend Protestantism, Protestant property and the Constitution. The Independent Loyal Orange Institution was formed in 1903 by those who opposed the Orange Order being used for party political ends by unscrupulous politicians.
It has promoted the concept that Orangeism should be free of outside interference and should promote the principles of Protestantism - alone.

Vision

"The Independent Loyal Orange Institution is energised by, and confidently expresses and promotes, the Reformed Faith and Heritage, through our Orange Fraternity.
Recognising the diversity of modern society, and maintaining our Independence from outside influence, we deny to no-one the rights we expect for ourselves."

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Degree Work

As with any organisation the details of the lodge meetings are private. Moreover given the defensive nature of the original lodges (see history) it was necessary on security grounds to exclude outsiders and unruly individuals from the lodge meetings.

As part of this internal security, but also emphasising our reliance on scripture as our rule of faith and practice, a system of lectures, degrees, passwords, symbols, handshakes and special knocks was developed.
All of these are explained in the lectures and degrees of the Institution. These degrees are not written down but are committed to memory by the lecturers of the Institution.

The are three degrees in the Institution The Orange Degree, The Purple Degree and the Royal Arch Purple Degree. Between each of the degrees there is a waiting period of up to six months. this is to ensure that both member and lodge are satisfied with the value of proceeding further in the Institution. Receipt of Degrees allows a member to be part of senior lodges and decision making bodies.

It is important therefore to ensure that the integrity of the Institution is maintained.
The degrees themselves are illustrations of Biblical Texts and events. They are a method of regulating and advancing within the Institution. They highlight a real link between the brethren fostering brotherhood and camaraderie by common experience.They make the Institution a distinct, unique and colourful organisation.
From time to time the degrees have been criticised for their origins, symbols and content. This criticism is often poorly researched.

As a Protestant Organisation dedicated to promote and defend the Protestant Religion and with our basis firmly rooted in the Word of God we have examined all of the claims of our critics and found them to be unreliable, untruthful and based on questionable logic.

Constitutional Affairs

"The Institution is constitutionally Unionist. We bear allegiance to the rightful Sovereign of the United Kingdom, the Laws of the Realm, the Legislative Union and the succession to the Throne in the House of Windsor, it being Protestant.
Additionally we are pledged to support the magistrates and the civil authorities in the lawful execution of their duties.
Our Unionism is a consequence of our Protestantism. From Protestantism the United Kingdom has gained Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy, Freedom of Speech and Civil and Religious liberty.
These principles are enshrined in the Bill of Rights and the Act of Settlement. These we will maintain.
Unlike the Orange Order we are not linked to any political party but as a Protestant fraternity we support policies which will enhance the union and maintain our right to practice our religion freely."